Risperdal

People at high risk for suicide attempts will be prescribed the lowest dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.

This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure of your ability.

Risperdal is prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks has not been studied.

Risperdal can cause orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when rising to a standing position), with dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fainting, especially when you first start to take it. If you develop this problem, report it to your doctor. He can adjust your dose to reduce the symptoms.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria and must avoid the amino acid phenylalanine, since Risperdal M-Tabs contains this substance.

The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal have not been studied in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Risperdal

If Risperdal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Risperdal with the following:

Blood pressure medicines such as Aldomet, Procardia, and Vasotec
Bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)

Risperdal tends to increase the effect of blood pressure medicines.

You may experience drowsiness and other potentially serious effects if Risperdal is combined with alcohol and other drugs that slow the central nervous system such as Valium, Percocet, Demerol, or Haldol.

Check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Risperdal makes its way into breast milk, so women taking Risperdal must avoid breastfeeding.